Skin cancer types and information (Melbourne)
Skin cancer types
If you’ve noticed a new spot, a changing mole, or a sore that won’t heal, it’s natural to feel anxious. The good news: most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early — and knowing the type helps you understand risk, urgency, and treatment options.
At The Skin Doctor (Ivanhoe + Diamond Creek), we diagnose skin lesions every day using expert clinical assessment + dermoscopy (and full skin mapping when helpful). If you’re unsure, the safest move is to get it checked.
[Book a full skin check]
[Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)]
Quick links
- [Melanoma]
- [Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)]
- [Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)]
- [Actinic keratosis (AK) “pre-cancer”]
- [Non-surgical treatments for selected skin cancers]
Which type do I need to worry about most?
If you’re reading this because you’ve spotted something new, here’s the practical rule:
- Any rapidly changing lesion, a new dark spot, or a changing mole → treat as urgent until proven otherwise (often melanoma is the concern).
- Any sore that doesn’t heal, persistent crusting/bleeding, or a growing scaly lump → needs assessment (often SCC or BCC).
- Any rough sunspot that keeps returning in the same place → likely AK, but still worth checking (especially if thick, tender, or enlarging).
If you’re uncertain, don’t guess — book the right appointment and we’ll triage it properly.
[Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)]
[Book a full skin check]
Explore each type in detail
Melanoma
Learn what melanoma can look like, what “changing” really means, and what to do next.
[Melanoma information]
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Common presentations (pearly bump, non-healing sore, scar-like patch), diagnosis, and treatment options.
[Basal cell carcinoma information]
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
How SCC differs from BCC, when it’s higher risk, and why early treatment matters.
[Squamous cell carcinoma information]
Actinic keratosis (AK) — pre-cancer
Why AKs matter, what “field damage” means, and when treatment reduces future risk.
[Actinic keratosis information]
How doctors tell the difference
Skin cancers don’t always follow the “textbook” appearance. Diagnosis usually involves:
- History: change over time, symptoms (itching, tenderness, bleeding), and risk factors
- Clinical examination: shape, border, colour, surface pattern
- Dermoscopy: a specialised magnified light to see patterns not visible to the naked eye
- Biopsy (when needed): the definitive test if there’s doubt
If you’ve had a previous skin cancer, your risk of another is higher — and a structured surveillance plan matters.
[How to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer again]
Not sure what you’re looking at?
If you’re worried about one or two spots
A targeted review is designed for that.
[Book a targeted spot check (1–3 spots)]
If you want reassurance (or you’ve had skin cancer before)
A full skin check is the safest option.
FAQ
Is actinic keratosis a skin cancer?
Not yet. AK is a pre-cancer caused by sun damage. Some AKs can progress to SCC over time, which is why persistent or thick AKs should be assessed and treated.
Can basal cell carcinoma spread?
BCC rarely spreads, but it can grow deeper and wider if left untreated — especially on the face — which can make treatment more complex.
Can squamous cell carcinoma spread?
Yes, a minority can spread. Risk is higher if the SCC is larger, thicker, rapidly growing, on high-risk sites (like lips/ears), recurrent, or in people who are immunosuppressed.
What does melanoma look like?
Melanoma can be a changing mole, a new dark spot, or a lesion that looks different from your other moles (“the ugly duckling”). Some melanomas are not very dark, which is why change over time matters.
What if my spot bleeds but then settles?
Any lesion that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or doesn’t properly heal should be checked — even if it “comes and goes.”
Should I book a spot check or a full skin check?
- Spot check: great if you have 1–3 specific lesions you’re worried about.
- Full skin check: best for reassurance, multiple lesions, a history of skin cancer, or high-risk skin.
How quickly should I be seen?
If a lesion is changing quickly, painful/tender, bleeding repeatedly, or looks clearly different from your other spots, book the soonest available review.